Back Beat

There’s a dynamic duo not to be missed at WOW Hall Thursday, Nov. 14: Lynx with opener Tender Forever. Lynx is a crackling mix of singer-songwriter, producer, beat boxer and multi-instrumentalist hailing from the Bay Area. Lynx’s latest album, Light Up Your Lantern (released Oct. 22), highlights her cool electric aesthetic, mixing acoustic and synth beats over gritty vocals. The WOW Hall darling — she was named Favorite Female Performer of 2011 — has collaborated with Beats Antique, Bassnectar and Matisyahu. Portland-based Melanie Valera, the voice and brains behind Tender Forever, comes to your ears via an itty-bitty town in southwest France. Her playful but raw variety of pop is reminiscent of The Blow and Mirah (friends and collaborators of Valera). Together, these two will dance you along the electro-pop spectrum.

Grrrlz Rock is in full swing this week. Check out 15-year-old Washington prodigy Emily Randolph, who recently appeared on The Voice — she just may be the PNW’s country-tinged answer to Adele. Randolph plays Nov. 8 at the Granary, Nov. 9 at Sam Bond’s and Nov. 10 at Plank Town Brewing. Portland’s sister act, Acoustic Minds, close out a night packed with local talent with their soul-pop blend Nov. 9 at Sam Bond’s. More info at grrrlzrock.com.

Eugene is in a competitive mood these days: Wandering Goat hosts a 24-hour Composition Competition 7 pm Nov. 9. Participants will have 12 hours to compose a piece and 12 hours to practice. Prizes TBA.

The Eugene Musicians Collective — “a recently-formed group of local musicians dedicated to building an engaged, mutually-supportive, cooperative live music scene in Lane County” — hosts its kick-off party and benefit for the Oregon Supported Living Program 4 to 8 pm Saturday, Nov. 9, at Mac’s Restaurant and Night Club.